Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Boise is 45% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,359/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 22%
$81,308/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 24%
$456,000 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 45%
$1,337/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 21%
235,701
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $294/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $3,528/year.

Median household income is $19,854/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Boise or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Lafayette?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $294/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Lafayette?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $19,854/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Louisiana?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Lafayette details →

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